Library Cards & Borrowing Information

How Do I Get A Library Card?

Resident Cards
A Green Hills Public Library District card shall be issued without charge to an individual who provides photo identification and proof of current residency within the District boundaries.  The District includes all of Hickory Hills and Palos Hills, as well as a small portion of Justice.  If you are a Justice resident, you can confirm which is your public library by entering your address in the Illinois Public Library Service Area Map or looking at the most current property tax bill.  Resident cards entitle borrowers to full borrowing privileges.

A resident under the age of 18 may become a cardholder with the cooperation and consent of the applicant’s parent or guardian.  The parent or guardian must be present at the time of Library card activation and must provide identification and proof of current residency as outlined above.  In signing for a card for a minor, the parent or guardian agrees to be responsible for any fines/fees incurred, and is the sole authorized individual to make changes to such accounts.  Children of shared legal guardianship may have up to two library cards, based on the permanent addresses of their respective parents or guardians.

Non-resident Cards
In accordance with 75 ILCS 16/30-55.60, a non-resident is defined as an individual residing in Illinois whose principal residence is not within a public library service area.  Such individuals may apply for a non-resident library card at the public library closest to their principal residence. 

Applicants for a non-resident Library card must provide photo identification, proof of their current residency in an eligible area, and if applicable, pay the required annual fee of $220.00.  The annual fee is calculated using the General Mathematical Formula as defined by the Illinois Administrative Code and approved by the Library Board of Trustees.  

Non-resident cards are available at no cost to:

• A non-resident who, as an individual or as a partner, principal stockholder, or other joint owner, owns or leases taxable property within the District or is a senior administrative officer of a firm, business, or other corporation owning taxable property within the District, upon presentation of the most recent tax bill or commercial lease on that taxable property.
• Veterans and unmarried surviving spouses who provide documentation that they are exempt from paying property taxes on their primary residence due to the Homestead exemption for veterans with disabilities.
• Veterans who rent property and provide documentation of disability of at least 70% from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs.
• Individuals under the age of 18.

Upon completion of registration, non-resident cardholders shall be entitled to all rights and privileges accorded to District resident cardholders.  Non-resident cards are valid for one year from the time of purchase.  No refunds for partial years shall be issued.

Digital Library Card
Residents ages 13 and up are eligible to self-register for a digital Library card online, which entitles users to access all available online resources, and excludes checkout of any physical materials.  Digital Library card privileges will expire after 90 days of issue.  Residents may upgrade their card to allow full borrowing privileges including physical materials by visiting the Library and verifying residency.  A parent or guardian must be present with applicants between the ages of 13–17 to upgrade this card. Sign up online and get confirmation instantly.

Student Exchange Program Cards
A temporary Library card offering full privileges may be issued to students as part of an exchange program.  Documentation regarding the program must be presented at the time of application, along with photo identification and verification of residency within the Library District boundaries.  Cards will be valid for the duration of the program, and may be renewed upon proof of continued exchange program enrollment.

Reciprocal Borrowers
Borrowing privileges are extended to individuals who are valid cardholders of other Illinois libraries in conjunction with the statewide reciprocal borrowing agreement, upon completion of registration with the District.  Reciprocal borrowing shall be permitted when an individual provides proof of identity as the cardholder listed and establishes good standing as a library cardholder at their home library.  Reciprocal borrowers may be limited in their access to certain services and materials, as indicated in Library policies.

Loan Policies

*Eligible for a 6-week vacation loan.
^Renewals will be automatic provided there are no holds on the item(s), the renewal limit has not been reached, and/or the patron’s account balance is less than $25.00.

Overdue Fines

The Green Hills Public Library District is a fine free Library.  This means that any user checking out materials at GHPLD, regardless of residency, will not be charged overdue fines.  Instead of an overdue fine, an alert will be placed on user accounts once an item is overdue for 14 days or longer.  This alert will prevent future use of the Library card.  Once an overdue item is returned, the alert is removed, no fines are assessed, and the Library card can be used again. 

GHPLD cardholders should be aware that they are subject to the lending policies, including any applicable fines, of other surrounding libraries that they visit.  Interlibrary loan materials remain subject to any applicable overdue fines established by the lending library.

GHPLD will charge for materials that are lost or damaged (see below).

Other Fees